Corporal punishment

Spanking a child was a standard form of discipline in past generations. Many people believed it was important to follow the saying, “Spare the rod and spoil the child”.

However a parent who spanks their children in South Africa today could possibly face criminal charges. Consultation processes are being followed in the drafting of an amendment to the Children's Act. This is the second bid by the Children's Rights Project to ban corporal punishment of children following initial attempts made in 2007.

Joan van Niekerk, manager of training and advocacy from Childline South Africa, said, 

“Corporal punishment is not the most effective way of disciplining children, and for many it is actually harmful, creating a sense that hitting is an acceptable way of dealing with relationship issues.”

In many cultures, parents have historically had the duty to discipline their children, and the right to spank them when appropriate. In their growing years many people were spanked by their parents when they misbehaved.

Rachel, 58, a mother of two from Johannesburg, said that she believes that when children are found doing something wrong they must be punished.

“I think that the old ways of disciplining a child by spanking produced the best children. I grew up in a strict family and my parents spanked me. That made me the woman and the mother I am today. I always had fear of doing something wrong,” she said.

Not only biological parents disciplined a child , but any parent was allowed to smack children whom they saw misbehaving. Once children started school, teachers took over the responsibility of discipline.

Sarah a mother and a teacher in a high school in Johannesburg, believes that disciplining children produced a different society with values.

“It was very rare to find young boys involved in serious crimes such as robbery, smoking or drinking especially within the school premises because they knew that being found doing something wrong meant a punishment both at school and home,” she said.

Historically it was believed that a child who has been taught with discipline becomes afraid to do something wrong and will strive to become a good member of the family and society.

It was not only culture that encouraged parents to use a rod to their children. The Bible states: “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” Children who are raised by biblical teachings are often more disciplined with respect and fear of doing wrong.

Ms Van Niekerk of Childline said that parents still have the responsibility of disciplining children. However, the focus will be on helping them to acquire skills in applying positive discipline and programmes will be offered to parents whose children are at risk of physical abuse.

“Discipline of the positive kind is not practised in the home and school as it needs to be. We need to go back to that and engage children in issues of discipline -- teaching them self management, self control, pro-social and conflict management, but without hitting and other harmful forms of discipline,” said Ms Van Niekerk.